Dog Training
Overcoming Dog Training Challenges
Training your dog can sometimes feel like a maze filled with twists, turns, and unexpected obstacles. But overcoming dog training challenges is also an opportunity for growth—for both you and your dog. At Courteous Canine, we believe that turning challenges into learning moments can strengthen your bond and create lasting success. Here are three expert tips to help you and [...]
The Power of Fun in Dog Training
The Power of Fun in Dog Training Being a fun detective pays off huge in dog training It’s six am and while sleeping in your bed, feeling cozy and content, [...]
Why Counter Conditioning Doesn’t Work
A common criticism of counter conditioning is that it does not work. While there can be many reasons why a behavior modification protocol based on counter conditioning fails it is [...]
Dog Training 101: What is Clicker Training?
Dog Training 101: What is Clicker Training? By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., CDBC, CAP2 edited by Kimberly "Kim" Archer, CPDT-KA, CTDI Clicker training is a training method using a handheld plastic [...]
Health & Safety
How to Teach Your Deaf (and Blind) Dog to Wake Up Gently
Understanding the Goal The article How to Teach Your Deaf (and Blind) Dog to Wake Up Gently explains how to help dogs with hearing or vision loss wake in a calm and confident way. Many [...]
Reel It In – Why I Don’t Like Retractable Leashes
The article Reel It In – Why I Don’t Like Retractable Leashes outlines the many reasons why experienced trainers and behavior professionals prefer to avoid retractable leashes. Although these devices appear convenient, the author explains [...]
Why Prong Collars Hurt
Thank you Eileen Anderson for writing an informative blog on the physics of a prong collar. Please see additional note at the bottom of the post. Dog guardians searching for effective leash solutions are often [...]
Dog Agility Training
Tampa Dog Trainer: Brenna Fender – Is Humility at Odds with Success?
Is Humility at Odds with Success? By Brenna Fender, Tampa Dog Trainer When you walk off an agility course, out of an obedience or rally ring, or away from your dog training class, do you dwell [...]
Tampa Dog Trainer: What’s My Dog Motivation?
What’s My Dog's Motivation? You can’t choose what motivates your dog. By Brenna Fender When I first got my Beagle from Tampa Bay Beagle rescue, I had to carry him off of his comfy spot [...]
Tampa Dog Trainer: 10 Ways to Stay Competitive in Agility by Brenna Fender
Agility is fun and exciting dog sport for both dog and handler! How do you stay at the top of your agility game? By Brenna Fender Maybe you've reached a high level of proficiency [...]
Courteous Canine Articles
The Opposite of Force
The concept of choice has become extremely popular in positive reinforcement–based dog training. Many trainers use the word often, and it sounds appealing. Choice feels like the opposite of force, so it seems humane and [...]
Teaching Deaf (and Blind) Dogs to Use Their Mouths Gently
Read the full article By Debbie Bauer HERE Teaching Deaf (and Blind) Dogs to Use Their Mouths Gently is an important topic for anyone living with deaf or blind/deaf dogs. Many guardians notice rough mouthing [...]
So Easy to Miscue…
This article takes a closer look at how easily human influence can alter the results of canine scent detection, making it So Easy to Miscue during real-world searches. It explains how dogs often respond to [...]
How to Teach Your Deaf (and Blind) Dog to Wake Up Gently
Understanding the Goal The article How to Teach Your Deaf (and Blind) Dog to Wake Up Gently explains how to help dogs with hearing or vision loss wake in a calm and confident way. Many [...]
Clicker Training for Cats (1/6)
If you’ve ever wondered whether cats can benefit from positive training the same way dogs do, this introduction to Clicker Training for Cats will open the door to a whole new world of feline learning. [...]
Dogs Are Better Partners to Humans Than to Other Dogs
The article Dogs Are Better Partners to Humans Than to Other Dogs explores why domestic dogs often collaborate more effectively with people than with members of their own species. The discussion centers on research comparing [...]
With Her Tail between Her Legs
Rethinking Tail Position in Dogs The article With Her Tail between Her Legs challenges the common belief that a tucked tail always signals fear or discomfort. Many people assume this posture reveals stress, but the [...]
A Milestone for Clara: Socialization Work Pays Off
Overview of “Socialization Work Pays Off” The article Socialization Work Pays Off highlights the powerful impact of thoughtful exposure and confidence-building experiences on a sensitive dog learning to navigate the world. The story follows Clara, [...]
Reel It In – Why I Don’t Like Retractable Leashes
The article Reel It In – Why I Don’t Like Retractable Leashes outlines the many reasons why experienced trainers and behavior professionals prefer to avoid retractable leashes. Although these devices appear convenient, the author explains [...]
UNDERSTANDING “YOU GET WHAT YOU REWARD”
One of the most powerful truths in dog training is UNDERSTANDING “YOU GET WHAT YOU REWARD”, not what you want your dog to do. Dogs learn through consequences, and their behavior is shaped by what [...]
Cognitive Dog Training
Another forward thinking blog by Pam Hogle. Cognitive Dog Training invites readers to look beyond traditional training methods and explore how dogs think, learn, and make decisions. In this article, renowned trainer and educator Pam [...]
Empowering Small Dogs or Puppies in a BIG World!
Empowering Small Dogs or Puppies in a BIG World! starts with understanding just how overwhelming everyday life can feel for a small dog or young puppy. In a space designed for tall humans, loud noises, [...]
Dog Barking: Seek First to Understand, Then Seek to Be Understood
Barking Is Communication, Not Misbehavior Dog Barking: Seek First to Understand, Then Seek to Be Understood reframes barking as communication rather than a problem to stop. Barking is one of the most natural ways dogs [...]
Why Prong Collars Hurt
Thank you Eileen Anderson for writing an informative blog on the physics of a prong collar. Please see additional note at the bottom of the post. Dog guardians searching for effective leash solutions are often [...]
Understanding Dog Vocalizations
Dogs Communicate Through Sound Understanding Dog Vocalizations begins with recognizing that dogs use sound as a primary form of communication. Barking, growling, and whining allow dogs to express emotions, intentions, and needs. When we listen [...]